Syracuse Style fashion show brings a glitzy party to Walton Street in Armory Square

Lauren Long / The Post-Standard, 2011Alberta Qamar, of Syracuse, walks the runway during last year's fashion show in Armory Square.

Syracuse, NY -- Fashion meets fun in a funky part of town Thursday.

That's when Syracuse's version of New York City's Fashion Week takes over a swatch of Armory Square for the second year in a row.

The Syracuse Style free runway fashion show rolls into the 100 block of Walton Street, starting at 7:30 p.m.

"It's cool, really, really cool," said organizer Lisa Marie Butler, who owns the clothing design firm Inspired Designs, one of the participants in Syracuse Style. "It was so crowded last year we extended the runway by 16 feet. We didn't expect so many people."

The event gives downtown retailers a showcase for the products customers can buy in their stores.

What else: A limited number of VIP tickets, at $50 each, are available at Empire Brewing Co. Ticketholders get access to a pre-show party at the Empire, the VIP viewing area, drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Proceeds benefit the Mary Nelson Youth Day Foundation.

"Any time we see an event come in to play and the stores and the businesses that are down here work together creates a real positive message and united front for our area," said Kellie Misita, who owns Showoffs Boutique, 264 W. Jefferson St. "The people who come to the show who don't frequent Armory Square as often get to see what we have to offer collectively. It sends a nice message."

"It's a way to highlight what's happening in Armory Square," said Ringwood, who participated in the show last year and is doing so this year, too. "It's just a little glitz and glamor in downtown Syracuse. It's fun."

Angelique Mango, owner of Way Off the Beaten Path accessories shop, said the event is good for Armory Square business.

"It's a wonderful show," said Mango, who participated last year and is planning to be part of this year's show. "We had a nice turnout last year -- it was a beautiful night -- and of course I want to support it and help out."

It's good timing. Mango said business has been slow lately in the square, an effect of the opening of new retailers and restaurants at Destiny USA.

"We just need free parking," said Mango.

Butler kick-started Syracuse Style in 2010, when the Landmark Theatre hosted it. In 2011, the big tent and runway beneath it grew on Walton.

"Last year, the Downtown Committee got involved in the event as well and helped us with marketing," said Butler. "This year, there was even more money to market the event."